To share a common hatred for the enemy; to be united in righteous indignation against a common foe.
Era:
Ancient
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During the Spring and Autumn period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, a popular ballad circulated among the troops. It conveyed the soldiers' enthusiastic spirit in joining the army, their unity in confronting the enemy, their optimism, and their heroic resolve to defend their homeland. This ballad was divided into three sections and could be sung repeatedly. The first stanza went: "Who says we have no clothes? My battle robe is yours. The king raises an army for war; quickly mend the spears and swords. I will confront the enemy with you." The term "同仇" (tóng chóu, common enemy/hatred) originates from this ballad.
In 623 BCE, Ning Yu from the State of Wey embarked on a diplomatic mission to the State of Lu. Duke Wen of Lu hosted a banquet in his honor. During the feast, the musicians played "Zhan Lu" and "Tong Gong". Ning Yu immediately recognized these as the celebratory music performed when the Son of Heaven (the Zhou King) bestowed favors and commendations upon his feudal lords. For this reason, he offered no words of gratitude during the banquet.
Duke Wen was puzzled by Ning Yu's silence and, after the feast, privately inquired about the reason. Ning Yu explained, "In earlier times, feudal lords shared the Son of Heaven's indignation against the enemy, and thus offered their military achievements. To reward the feudal lords, the Son of Heaven would bestow red bows and perform 'Zhan Lu' at banquets, which was entirely proper. However, today our State of Wey has come to Lu to express friendship, yet Your Grace imitates the Son of Heaven's ritual for feudal lords by having musicians perform 'Zhan Lu' and 'Tong Gong'. Under these circumstances, I had no choice but to remain silent." The term "敌忾" (dí kài, confront with indignation) is derived from Ning Yu's words.